Podcast Summary:

Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson
Ep. 465 – Guest! Stop Trying to DO IT ALL! 🧠 w/GURU Legend - Jeremy Byars talking COGNITIVE LOAD
Date: December 18, 2025
Host: Jay Schwedelson (A), GURU Media Hub
Guest: Jeremy Byars (B), Chief Communications Officer, United Systems and Software

Episode Overview

This episode zeroes in on “cognitive load” and the myth of doing it all as a marketing leader. Jay hosts GURU Media Hub community favorite Jeremy Byars to explore the pressures of wearing multiple hats, the power of authentic professional networking, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of empathy and humor in marketing and leadership. The conversation balances tactical career advice with personal stories, laughter, and some unexpected nerdy tangents.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Jeremy’s Many Hats & The Limits of Capacity

[04:04–06:45]

• Jay introduces the main question: How does Jeremy handle his sprawling responsibilities without burning out?
• Jeremy shares his evolving philosophy on workload:

  “You want to be all things to all people, even though you might be saying externally you can't be all things to all people. But...it's very, very difficult to give that up.” (B, 05:13)

• Jeremy references “cognitive load”—recently heightened for him—stressing the necessity of honestly assessing your limits and letting go:

  “There's always someone out there that's smarter, faster, cheaper...and that doesn't make you less than.” (B, 05:54)

• Both agree: Self-audit and delegation are crucial to career longevity.
• Jay highlights the importance of eliminating “garbage” tasks through self-auditing ([06:45]).

Building Community and Leveraging Networking

[08:10–13:26]

• Jay praises Jeremy’s authentic participation in industry communities and credits this for Jeremy’s career growth.
• Jeremy explains his presence is not calculated but rooted in a need for connection:

  "If you want a village, be a villager." (B quoting Christina Garnett, 08:39)

• He champions vulnerability and supportive engagement, noting that even stars struggle with imposter syndrome:

  “I just want to be evidence...that we're really here just for a short amount of time. Let's have some fun...let's try to bring everybody together. Let's have empathy, let's have respect…” (B, 09:01)

• On failure, Jeremy notes the parallels between comedy and marketing:

  “You fail so many more times than you succeed...” (B, 09:42)

• Jay and Jeremy riff on community failures, drawing analogies to spam flavors and marketing campaigns lost before launch.

The Imposter Syndrome Cycle, Gratitude, & Loss

[13:26–17:31]

• Jay and Jeremy discuss authenticity and the constant challenge of imposter syndrome—even for industry veterans.
• Both open up on weekly feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

  “I will tell you every single week I feel imposter syndrome, that I suck at my job...for anybody out there that thinks that somebody...they’re not, whatever, I freak out every day.” (A, 13:50)

• Jeremy describes his “staircase” of tough personal experiences, including professional failures and his wife’s leukemia diagnosis, that ultimately led him to embrace gratitude, humility, and a deeper purpose:

  “When the universe hit me right in the cojones a little bit and said, dude, you’re not in control, so ride the wave...It’s a stair step. You’ll get there.” (B, 16:37)

Humor, Personal Anchors, and Superman Fandom

[18:04–19:58]

• Jay humorously interrogates Jeremy about his obsession with Superman collectibles.
• Jeremy reveals the deeply personal roots of his fandom, tied to difficult childhood experiences and the emotional anchor of Superman:

  “Superman’s always been this…anchor for me. And…this movie is all about hope and about positivity and about empathy. And that’s really the point in my life I’m at.” (B, 19:45)

Pop Culture: Favorite Films & Opinions

[20:16–22:01]

• Jay presses Jeremy for his favorite superhero and non-superhero films:
  • Top picks:
    • The Dark Knight ("It's actually a film.")
    • Inception
    • Back to the Future series
  • Jeremy provides candid opinions on the old Superman movies:

    “I don’t love them. I really don’t. I don’t think they age well at all. I think they’re way too hokey…” (B, 21:41)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Cognitive Load & Letting Go

“You can't be all things to all people…it's freeing to have the feeling or realization that there's always someone out there that's smarter, faster, cheaper...and that doesn't make you less than.” (B, 05:54)

On Community Building

“If you want a village, be a villager.” (B quoting Christina Garnett, 08:39)

On Failure & Imposter Syndrome

“The thing about comedy is you fail so many more times than you succeed. And...it's kind of like sales.” (B, 09:42)

“I will tell you every single week I feel imposter syndrome, that I suck at my job… I freak out every day.” (A, 13:50)

On Difficult Life Lessons

“When the universe hit me right in the cojones a little bit and said, dude, you're not in control, so ride the wave…” (B, 16:37)

On Anchors in Life

“Superman’s always been this…anchor for me...the movie is about hope and empathy. And that’s really the point in my life I’m at.” (B, 19:45)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:04] – Jeremy on work overload and cognitive load
• [05:54] – Letting go, ego, and delegating
• [08:39] – “If you want a village, be a villager.” (Community & networking)
• [13:26] – Jay and Jeremy discuss imposter syndrome and vulnerability
• [16:37] – Jeremy’s life lessons: Loss, humility, and acceptance
• [19:45] – The personal meaning behind Jeremy’s Superman collection
• [20:25] – Jeremy’s favorite movies; opinions on classics

Getting in Touch & Final Thoughts

• Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn (“the only Jeremy Byars on there that I know of” – B, 22:25)
• Closing encouragement:

  “Despite what Daniel Murray says, Jay, you’re not too bad. I mean, you’re a pretty good dude.” (B, 22:50)

Tone:
Conversational, self-deprecating, honest, humorous, and inclusive—the episode is peppered with gentle ribbing, personal anecdotes, and earnest encouragement.

This summary captures the actionable marketing lessons, career wisdom, and authentic moments that made this episode both practical and memorable for professionals seeking community and balance in today’s marketing world.